Yesterday someone shared a video on Facebook of a child having a really pitiful meltdown. This child was about 8 or 9 years old. I’m thinking the person videoing and then posting this scene thought they were helping the child by embarrassing them in showing the world their temper tantrum. Several comments were made on how this child needed a spanking, etc.
As I watched, my heart hurt for this young boy. He definitely needed some attention. Videoing him and then putting it on social media was not the attention he needed.
Yes, I do know what it’s like to be in a car with a child out of control. I’m pretty sure everyone knows that feeling. I also know that yelling back, threatening and videoing is not the answer.
I would love to go back and re-do some of my parenting skills myself. I thought I would share just a few thoughts on handling an out of control child in the car or elsewhere.
*Teaching and training begin at birth. Take your job as a parent seriously. Take advantage of every moment.
*Let your child know what is expected of them when you go in public. Talk to them, not at them. Let them know where you are going, what you will be doing and then explain the consequences for disobedience. In a loving and calm manner.
*If you are stressed, your child will pick this up and it will stress them. Get your life organized and simplified enough to where you don’t put pressure on your child and expect them to handle something that you aren’t even able to handle.
*Phones and cameras are not part of child training. Social media is such a big part of life these days. We all know what life is like as a parent and a child. Let’s learn from one another but not at the expense of embarrassing our children in front of others.
*Disciplining should be done in private. Don’t ever embarrass your child by scolding harshly in front of others. Take them away from the situation to discuss and get back on track.
*When you are ridiculing, yelling and acting put out with your child, it doesn’t make the child look bad, it makes your parenting look bad.
*No one is perfect and we have all blown it somehow. When you know you were wrong, ask your child to forgive you.
Today is a new day. Today is a gift to start fresh. Focus on your child. Focus on raising happy, healthy and successful children!
Ask God for guidance and wisdom for training and loving your child!
“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”
– Proverbs 22:6
“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”
– Ephesians 6:4
You got this! Give your child a huge hug and focus!
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